Best Big Brother

I am so proud of Price. He had been our only child for 4 and a half years. We had hoped that he would adjust well to having a baby in the house, but we could have never imagined that he would be such a wonderful big brother! He loves to greet Maggie when she wakes up in the morning or from her naps. He talks and smiles at her and enjoys giving her hugs and kisses. He talks to her while I change her diaper and loves to play pat-a-cake with her. He sings to her, "reads" books to her and sweetly sssshhh's her when she cries in the car. He introduces her to people at the grocery store, bank, library and church. Price calls her "my Maggie" and "precious girl." He loves to point out toys, clothes and shoes that he thinks she would like. He talks about all the things he wants to teach her; like riding a bike, writing her name and learning to swim. Price likes to take a bath with Maggie and help wash her hair. He is so sweet to her. He honestly has not shown ANY jealousy. He loves his baby sister so much. He often says "I am going to protect her and we are going to be best friends." It warms my heart! One day when we were at McDonald's, I asked Price to "watch Maggie" while I walked about 10 feet away to put our things in the trash. When I turned around, Price was standing with his arms spread out, acting as a road block in front of Maggies carrier. He said "I kept her safe, Mom." He is the best big brother!

BUNCO

My cousin, Evva and I started a BUNCO group last June. We meet on the last Thursday evening of every month. There are 12 members and we rotate hosting at each members house. I look forward to this time with girlfriends!!! During the week of Bunco, I start counting down the days until I can get together with wonderful women and play a mindless game, eat yummy snacks, and LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH! He have such a great time!! Even though our time is short (just 2 hours), and we only get together monthly, it is a time that I cherish; especially these days with two young children. Sometimes I just need a break, and this group of chicks is just the ticket! Cheers to good times and the best medicine for whatever ails ya: a few good laughs with great friends!

Way to grow, Maggie!

Today, Maggie Beth had a well baby check. The doctor (whom we love) said she is perfect! Her Weight is 12 lbs 10 oz.! She is in the 80% for her length and 47% on the size of her head! She is a super star! Unfortunately, we are having to take meds for thrush and I am about to head to the store to by some Head and Shoulders shampoo for a mild case of cradle cap. She has a hemangioma (not sure of the spelling) on her lower left back. Dr. Stacey says is may be the biggest at her first birthday, then will get smaller and eventually go away. No big deal (compared to all the things that have to come together to make a healthy baby)!!

She also got an oral vaccination and 3 shots!!! She was so happy and smiley! She had no idea what was about to happen. She even smiled at the nurse just before she got stuck. Maggie screamed and turned so red in the face, I thought her head might pop off! I couldn't wait to pick her up! She cried for at least 5 minutes afterward and was all sweaty from being so upset and crying so hard! Bless her sweet little heart!

After we were done at the doctor's office, my mom, me and Maggie Beth went to Panera Bread to eat. Maggie slept the whole time and all the way back home....and then some more in her bed. I suppose a good cry can wear a little girl out. I am proud of my Maggie! Her only job right now is to grow and she is doing that really well!

I also have to mention, that when Price left for school this morning, he said he would be praying for Maggie Beth today. "Shots are not fun, but they help us stay healthy" he told Maggie. He is such a wonderful big brother!

Pretty and Pretty Incredible

Our house. Some trees lost limbs, but all were bent over from the weight of the ice! Excuse the trashcans, it was garbage pick up that day!

The golf course outside of our neighborhood. It was beautiful!

Ice hanging from the fence!

Look how thick the ice is! And this was the day it started to melt!

Ice covered each pine needle individually! It was so fun to look at!

I forgot to post these pics of how thick the ice was on EVERYTHING a week ago. And since I use this blog as a sort of scrapbook, I wanted to include them. As much damage as the ice did, it was so beautiful!

My Girl

Maggie Beth has been a pure JOY! She is sweet,cuddly and so stink'n cute! She smiles big gummy grins when I greet her at the crib. She doesn't mind getting her diaper or clothes changed. When I call her name, she usually smiles and has recently found her voice. She lets out all kinds of sweet coos! It is just precious! Bath time is her absolute favorite activity! She follows Price with her eyes, watches him play and turns her head when she hears his voice. I am breastfeeding, but my girl is a super star at taking the bottle, which daddy and YaYa both appreciate...as do I. Maggie is content to be held and rocked. She also likes the little "exercises" that YaYa does with her. Daddy seems to get the best and biggest grins. He probably has the least amount of face time with her, but she loves her daddy! She is 9 weeks old and her personality is showing more and more each day. Our life has adjusted to having Maggie Beth around and we adore her!!!

Fun with family

Cooking on Thursday morningBridget making rice krispy treatsThe boys....playing the WiiHang'n out in the tentThe big boys watching a show on the laptop (since the other 2 tv's were occupied)My mom, doing what she does best....being YaYaMy Aunt Tam, watching tv after cooking burgers for the whole clanMe and Bridget. Don't judge. Who wears make-up during an ice storm?Sleepy time in the tent!Snow buddies

me and my guyTam, Ted and the grandkids Poppy and his little man

I have to admit the ice storm of 2010 has been really fun! Wednesday evening I went to the grocery store so we would have plenty of yummy food for the fam. Thursday, as the rain came down, I listened to praise and worship music and cooked muffins, broccoli and cheddar soup, pork roast, potatoes and carrots, and some fettuccine alfredo with Cajun shrimp! My parents have a small generator, so if the power went out, we could hook up the microwave and have warm meals. Our power went out at around 3:00 p.m. My dad was working, helping to sand the roads on the turnpike, so my mom came over. Jon brought home some firewood. The power came back on just 2 hours later!

My cousin, her husband and 4 children were in town. They were staying with my aunt, who lost power. They came over and we had fun!!! We made hamburgers for dinner and Bridget whipped up some rice krispy treats for dessert. The kids played the Wii. Three of the boys slept on the sofa. Price and Princess slept in the tent in the living room. It was pop tarts all around in the morning and more fun on the Wii. I have a scripture that Price and I were working to memorize on a post it note by the stove. It says, "always be ready to share with others whatever God has given to you." I Timothy 6:18. We had a great time sharing our home with family during the ice storm!

On Saturday, we went to my aunt's house for the kids to go sledding! They had a blast and then filled their tummies with pizza and played all afternoon! Bridget and the kids are still here. Their home town is still without power, so the fun continues....